Paint Your Wanderlust IV Art Retreat with Artist Tracy Verdugo in France

Immerse yourself in mixed-media art on a creative retreat with artist Tracy Verdugo in the sunlit countryside of Occitanie, southern France. Immerse yourself in mixed media art, experimenting freely with sketching, acrylic inks, paint, collage, and expressive mark-making. Tracy's supportive teaching style and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere invite artists of all experience levels to let go, embrace spontaneity, and discover their own authentic creative voice.

Venture out on a half-day trip to the riverside town of Castres to sketch its lively brocantes and pastel-colored arcades, and spend a full day in the UNESCO-listed city of Albi to paint its towering red-brick cathedral, wander its medieval streets, and visit the Tolouse-Lautrec Museum. On another half-day trip, indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience at a nearby, family-owned château vineyard.

Stay at an elegant countryside estate, where delicious chef-prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to dive into your creative process. Savor the tastes and aromas of southern France, connect with 15 other fellow artists, and leave with memories to last a lifetime!

Details

• Dates: September 14 – 21, 2027
• Location: Teyssode, Occitanie, France
• Starting Price: $4,650
• Currency: USD
• Status: guaranteed
• Group Size: Max. 16 students
• Category: Painting · Browse on uptrek.com

Overview

What's included:

1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Tracy Verdugo
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and a printer scanner
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estate
4. Exclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as a workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, terraces, and a rustic watchtower
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day
8. Plentiful, delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day
9. Welcome and farewell dinners, with cocktails and canapés
10. Full-day art trip to Albi, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location and a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
11. Entrance ticket to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
12. Half-day art trip to Castres, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location and a visit to French brocantes (vintage shops)
13. Half-day trip to a French vineyard estate, with a wine tasting experience
14. Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities
15. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times
16. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
17. Fully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available on location
18. All local tourist taxes and fees
19. Access to a private Facebook group with Tracy Verdugo and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

Not included

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Tracy Verdugo will be provided five months before the retreat
• One lunch during the full-day trip to Albi
• Tips — tipping is customary in France
• Other expenses guests might incur on their own

Program

Paint Your Wanderlust IV

Explore a mixed-media art retreat with artist Tracy Verdugo across the rolling hills of Occitanie, in southern France. Through immersive mixed-media workshops, artists of every experience level are invited to reconnect with their creativity, experiment with new techniques, and express themselves authentically.

You'll experiment freely with acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils, diving into layering, composition, glazing, and visual storytelling naturally and intuitively. Tracy’s warm, supportive teaching style encourages you to embrace spontaneity, overcome hesitation, and fully immerse yourself in the joy of creating.

Enjoy a nurturing environment designed to inspire meaningful connections, personal growth, and artistic discovery. Surround yourself with fellow creatives who will share inspiration, encouragement, and camaraderie throughout your artistic journey.

Beyond the studio, soak up the beauty of Occitanie through trips into the surrounding region. Spend a half-day trip at a nearby family-owned château vineyard, walking through sunlit vines and tasting aromatic wines straight from the cellar. Wander the picturesque streets of Castres on a half-day trip with on-location sketching and a visit to French brocantes, where vintage treasures and antique finds offer fresh creative inspiration. Later in the retreat, set out on a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, sketching its narrow streets and iconic landmarks before visiting the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, home to one of the world's most celebrated collections of Post-Impressionist art.

Topics covered during your classes with Tracy include:

• Introduction to acrylic inks and mixed media
• Layering techniques
• Approaching collage, sketching on the go, and whimsical portraits
• Exploring glazing, composition, and narrative
• Loosening up and breaking free from self-criticism
• Combining personal experience and imagery to create paintings that tell your own story
• Activating your imagination and creating compelling paintings with fresh energy
• Boosting your artistic confidence
• ...and many more!

Stay at a charming, restored estate in the French countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. Enjoy elegant accommodation and modern amenities, such as a saltwater pool and a hot tub, lush gardens, sunlit terraces, a fruit orchard, and a spacious art studio. Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, and connect with 15 other like-minded artists. By the end of the retreat, you will return home more confident, with a renewed artistic voice and cherished memories!

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with the lovely Tracy Verdugo, your instructor for the week.

As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines.

Day 2: Art classes at the venue

Wake to a hearty breakfast, then gather with Tracy and your fellow artists for a morning coffee check-in to share your intentions and creative goals for the days ahead.

In the first workshop of the retreat, dive into mixed media freely, experimenting with acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils. Through playful, spontaneous exercises, you will loosen up and find your creative rhythm on the canvas. Tracy will offer gentle encouragement as you move past hesitation and follow whatever inspiration shows up.

Pause midday for a satisfying lunch, then return to the studio with fresh energy. Building on the morning's techniques, layer colors, textures, compositions, and meaning into your developing pieces. Draw inspiration from the Occitanie countryside as your work takes shape. With your travel sketchbook in hand, capture early impressions of the venue and transform them into expressive art.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether that means wandering the gardens or cooling off in the saltwater pool.

Wind down with a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local French wine, a warm end to a full day of creative exploration with your fellow artists.

Day 3: Trip to a French vineyard & wine tasting

Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast, then settle into a morning coffee check-in with Tracy. Head into a morning session in the venue gardens, where Tracy will guide you through plein-air exercises designed to help you capture the textures and rhythms of the surrounding landscape. Draw inspiration from the light filtering through the fruit orchard and the earthy colors of the Occitanie countryside.

After a light lunch, prepare for an afternoon adventure on a half-day trip to a nearby family-owned château vineyard. Walk through sunlit vines, taste locally made aromatic wines straight from the source, and chat with your fellow artists as the golden hour washes over the rows. With your sketchbook in hand, capture the warmth of the afternoon and the colors of the vineyard around you.

Return to the venue for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with the very wines you tasted just hours earlier, an easy and lively way to close out the day.

Day 4: Art trip to Castres brocantes

After a delicious breakfast, gather your sketchbook and art supplies for a half-day trip to Castres, a picturesque town on the banks of the Agout River. Tracy will offer supportive guidance on sketching outdoors as you wander past the colorful half-timbered houses that line the riverbanks and the cobblestone streets that open into inviting town squares. Capture quick impressions of whatever catches your eye, from the play of light on the water to the textures of the old stone façades.

Take time to browse the French brocantes, where vintage treasures and antique finds offer fresh creative inspiration. Collect textures and visual references to weave into your artwork back at the studio.

Return to the venue for lunch, then head into the afternoon studio session. Reflecting on your morning sketches and impressions of Castres, translate what you gathered into mixed-media pieces, as the colors and character of the town flow into your work. Tracy will be available for one-on-one feedback as you experiment with new approaches and personal storytelling in your art.

Over a three-course dinner crafted by your private chef and paired with local wine, share the day's discoveries with your fellow artists and soak in the evening's warm atmosphere.

Day 5: Art classes at the venue

After a wholesome breakfast, settle into a morning coffee check-in with Tracy.

Dive deeper into layering techniques with mixed media, blending tools and materials to build texture and depth in your work. Tracy will guide you through composition, glazing, visual storytelling, and the small moments that turn a sketch into something memorable.

Recharge over lunch, then bring personal elements from your photos and sketches into your artwork, focusing on self-expression over perfection. Reflective writing prompts will round out the afternoon, with Tracy guiding you through short exercises in poetry and haiku that deepen your creative voice and add new layers of meaning to your pieces.

Spend the late afternoon exploring the grounds or relaxing by the saltwater pool as the Occitanie sun softens.

Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, the easy warmth of a group deep into a creative rhythm.

Day 6: Art trip to Albi

Wake to a filling breakfast, then gather your sketchbook for a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, about an hour's drive through open fields and scattered villages.

Once in Albi, explore the narrow streets and iconic landmarks, sketching as you go. Take in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia with its sculpted stone and towering silhouette, and pause at the Pont Vieux bridge to capture the Tarn River flowing beneath you.

Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the city's inviting restaurants or cafés. In the afternoon, visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, housed in the Palais de la Berbie, and spend time with one of the world's most celebrated collections of Post-Impressionist art. Wander through the museum's rooms and soak in the brushwork, drawing fresh inspiration for your own practice. Afterward, stroll the lush gardens of the Palais de la Berbie, sketching as the late-afternoon light shifts across the flowers.

Return to the venue for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local French wine, a fitting way to close out a day steeped in art and history.

Day 7: Art classes at the venue

Savor a warm final breakfast, then gather with Tracy and your fellow artists for a morning coffee check-in and reflections on how far you have come.

The morning and afternoon are yours to finish the paintings and sketchbook pages that inspire you most. Use these final hours to refine your work, push forward on a piece that has been developing throughout the retreat, or follow a fresh thread of inspiration with Tracy's encouragement. Embrace your creative process and set aside any lingering self-doubt as you make the most of your remaining time in this inspiring French setting.

Later in the day, display your favorite pieces in an informal gallery-style showcase. Take a moment to appreciate each other's growth and celebrate the creative journey you have shared with your fellow artists.

As evening falls, enjoy cocktails and canapés followed by a special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life and the memories you have made in the south of France.

Day 8: Departure

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Tracy and the group, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM.

Instructors

• Tracy Verdugo — Artist and author

Accommodation

Historic French Estate

Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Tracy Verdugo is a sprawling countryside estate with a rich history. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring original wooden beams, stone fireplaces, an imposing watchtower, and terracotta tiles that capture the rural charm of southern France. With no other buildings in sight, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hills and a patchwork of lush fields.

The 5-acre estate features a main house, a cozy guesthouse, and a repurposed barn transformed into a well-lit art studio. Your classes with Tracy will take place in the studio or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: two swimming pools, sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard.

Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility.

Shared ensuite attic room (female only)

One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. This spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. The room can be outfitted with either twin beds or one double bed, on request, and it features an ensuite shower bathroom. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look.

Shared standard ensuite room

Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

The shared standard ensuite rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located in the main house at the venue, on the second floor, the rooms are decorated in a beautiful French style and offer gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside.

Shared superior ensuite room

Two superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

The shared superior rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have sun-lit French windows with views of the beautiful garden.

Single room with shared bathroom

Two rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have the room all to yourself.

These rooms feature comfortable double beds and are beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The two rooms and their shared bathroom are located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue.

Single room - adjacent bathroom

One room with adjacent bathroom is available for single occupancy.

The room is located on the second floor of the guesthouse. It is furnished with a double bed and offers Wi-Fi access. The private shower room, located adjacent to the bedroom, is equipped with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room also features beautiful views of the surrounding garden.

Single standard ensuite room

Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed.

The rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature Wi-Fi and a TV, as well as spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. Both rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens.

Single superior ensuite room

One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy.

Furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed, the room is located on the second floor of the guest house and includes WiFi access, A/C, and a private ensuite bathroom with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room has sweeping views of the estate grounds.

Food

Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your retreat with Tracy Verdugo. The private chef crafts traditional southern French cuisine, featuring regional specialties like the beloved cassoulet, brimming with savory meats and beans, and the ocean's bounty in a classic bouillabaisse.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area's renowned crisp white wines, served during dinner. Your culinary journey begins with welcome cocktails and appetizing canapés and concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meals and stay refreshed with available water, coffee, and tea throughout the day.

All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Albi. Dietary needs can be catered to if announced in advance. However, please keep in mind that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies.

For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at the art retreat, please see the information below. The exact menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Getting There

The retreat with artist Tracy Verdugo takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car.

The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (an hour away from the venue), wander through the quaint little town of Castres, and visit a French vineyard estate (both only 30-40 minutes away).

Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 14, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on September 21, 2027, by 10:00 AM. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

How to get to Toulouse:

If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary).

How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:

Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Arrival Transfer:

September 14, 2027 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)

Departure Transfer:

September 21, 2027 — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 11:00 AM)

If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:

• Spend extra days at a hotel in Toulouse pre/post-retreat and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
• Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Domaine d'En Naudet, 81220 Teyssode, France; estimated cost of US$200 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

Reviews

Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Tracy Verdugo:

• "Tracy was fabulous as an instructor, and as a role model (kind, introspective, fun, artistic, and encouraging)."

• "Tracy was really attentive and provided superb demonstrations allowing students the freedom to explore the use of materials. She checked-in with students and ensured we knew we could ask her anything at any time."

• "It was a magical experience, the venue was perfect. Everyone was so helpful kind and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. All the other ladies in the group were just so interesting and fun. We gelled immediately awake filled with warmth and laughter. Tracy is an extremely generous tutor sharing all her tips and knowledge. She was non-judgemental and made sure everyone felt comfortable whatever level they were at. She is warm and fun and the perfect person to lead this retreat."

• "Tracy is a wonderful teacher, full of ideas and support for each student. She had a magic way of helping me feel comfortable, while inspiring and encouraging me to go beyond my comfort zone."

Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:

• "The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome."

• "Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend Domain d'En Naudet!"

• "UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!"

• "I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again."

• "The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts."

• "Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!"

• "I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!"

• "The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek."

• "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The Domaine d'en Naudet was an excellent venue. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels?

The retreat with artist Tracy Verdugo is open to all levels of experience.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat with artist Tracy Verdugo will take place between September 14 – 21, 2027.

How do I get to the retreat venue?

Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included.

For more information, see the Location tab. Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.

Are there any check-in and check-out hours?

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on September 14, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on September 21, 2027. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

What supplies do I need for the workshops?

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Tracy Verdugo will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and a printer scanner are included and will be available at the venue. Students will bring their own art supplies based on the instructor’s list of recommended materials.

What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in September?

The weather in Teyssode in September is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly.

What should I pack?

Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

Can I do laundry while on the retreat?

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?

Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

How many people are to be expected on the retreat?

Maximum of 16 participants.

Do I need a visa?

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Are there any age restrictions?

There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

What language is used during the workshops and other activities?

The retreat is available in English.

Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

Book This Retreat

👉 Reserve your spot on uptrek.com — no deposit required.

See cancellation policy and travel insurance requirements.

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